When Google goes bad…

How much of your traffic comes from Google? What would you do if you it stopped?

Every so often, Google updates its index, pulling people, do-si-do, into the Google Dance. Unfortunately, when Google swings its partner, you’re as likely to end up in the bleachers as on the dance floor. That’s what happened to me, briefly, yesterday. I fell from the first spot for my name, to the bottom of the second page.

Google Dance Before

Google Dance After

Fortunately, folks still found me. How?

Take a look at the search results again. Due to active profiles in multiple social networks, I stayed in the first spot via a LinkedIn profile. And the second, via an SEOmoz.org profile. And the sixth (Twitter) and eighth (Technorati). So, anyone looking for me was able to find me, even if they didn’t get directly to my website. Which begs the question: Do you have profiles for you or your business in these – or other appropriate – places? Last week we looked at alternate sources of traffic besides Google. Take a look. Or, you might end up a wallflower at the next dance.

What other sources of traffic work for you? Tell us about them in the comments below. And make sure you add thinks to your favorite reader to never miss an update.